Guide to and Questions Concerning Connecting thru HNL & other Hawai`i airports
#811
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, QF Platinum
Posts: 132
Hello, I just came across this forum and am hoping to get a speedy response. I've tried looking through the original posts but can't seem to figure out an answer. Please help!
I am flying from Mildura, Australia to Seattle, Washington tomorrow. I've purchased two seperate tickets. My first ticket is Mildura to Honolulu via Quantas and Jetstar. I have a 2 hour layover, then fly a Alaska Airlines FROM honolulu to Seattle. What I am wondering is, Since I am changing itinerary, will I need to leave the secure area once I land in Honolulu, pick up my bags from baggage claim, go to ALASKA air and check in and recheck my baggage and then get through customs and security on top of that..or can I ask Quantas at check in in Mildura to check my bags all the way through to Seattle? I was told 2 hours would be sufficient time to get through customs, recheck baggage, get through security and get to my mainland flight. A bit nervous though. Sorry for being all over the place just need some guidance. Thanks a bunch
I am flying from Mildura, Australia to Seattle, Washington tomorrow. I've purchased two seperate tickets. My first ticket is Mildura to Honolulu via Quantas and Jetstar. I have a 2 hour layover, then fly a Alaska Airlines FROM honolulu to Seattle. What I am wondering is, Since I am changing itinerary, will I need to leave the secure area once I land in Honolulu, pick up my bags from baggage claim, go to ALASKA air and check in and recheck my baggage and then get through customs and security on top of that..or can I ask Quantas at check in in Mildura to check my bags all the way through to Seattle? I was told 2 hours would be sufficient time to get through customs, recheck baggage, get through security and get to my mainland flight. A bit nervous though. Sorry for being all over the place just need some guidance. Thanks a bunch
If you have checked baggage, I think you may have some issues getting on the 8:30am AS860 flight HNL-SEA. JQ3 is due to arrive at 6:40am, and as of the last week has pretty much been on time, give or take 10-15 minutes either way.
The last 2 times I have come of JQ3 (July & Sep this year) other flights from Japan and Korea had just arrived and whilst relatively efficient, the immigration process still took 15-25 minutes, then another 5 minutes before the baggage started to come through, then a quick stroll through customs. Meaning we were kerbside at around 7:30am.
This is also based on being in Business Class so we were the first off the aircraft.
I am not sure if Alaska have a different baggage check cut off for HNL, but based on other mainland airports, you have until 7:50am to have your bag checked.
As mentioned previously, I am also heading to Seattle, but going via LAX as I am meeting someone there, my flight leaves pretty much at the same time, but I have hand luggage only and am sitting in row 2 on JQ3 so plan to make a hasty exit through to immigration, plus the flight to LAX & SEA is in F class, so I have some flexibility if there are delays etc etc...
If you are travelling solo, send me a Private Message and I am more than happy to guest you into the First lounge at Sydney... can't do much for HNL but any help I can offer, even a jump in spot when waiting for immigration won't be a problem (if possible of course).
:-)
#812
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 2
OK, sorry I couldn't provide more information earlier...
If you have checked baggage, I think you may have some issues getting on the 8:30am AS860 flight HNL-SEA. JQ3 is due to arrive at 6:40am, and as of the last week has pretty much been on time, give or take 10-15 minutes either way.
The last 2 times I have come of JQ3 (July & Sep this year) other flights from Japan and Korea had just arrived and whilst relatively efficient, the immigration process still took 15-25 minutes, then another 5 minutes before the baggage started to come through, then a quick stroll through customs. Meaning we were kerbside at around 7:30am.
This is also based on being in Business Class so we were the first off the aircraft.
I am not sure if Alaska have a different baggage check cut off for HNL, but based on other mainland airports, you have until 7:50am to have your bag checked.
As mentioned previously, I am also heading to Seattle, but going via LAX as I am meeting someone there, my flight leaves pretty much at the same time, but I have hand luggage only and am sitting in row 2 on JQ3 so plan to make a hasty exit through to immigration, plus the flight to LAX & SEA is in F class, so I have some flexibility if there are delays etc etc...
If you are travelling solo, send me a Private Message and I am more than happy to guest you into the First lounge at Sydney... can't do much for HNL but any help I can offer, even a jump in spot when waiting for immigration won't be a problem (if possible of course).
:-)
If you have checked baggage, I think you may have some issues getting on the 8:30am AS860 flight HNL-SEA. JQ3 is due to arrive at 6:40am, and as of the last week has pretty much been on time, give or take 10-15 minutes either way.
The last 2 times I have come of JQ3 (July & Sep this year) other flights from Japan and Korea had just arrived and whilst relatively efficient, the immigration process still took 15-25 minutes, then another 5 minutes before the baggage started to come through, then a quick stroll through customs. Meaning we were kerbside at around 7:30am.
This is also based on being in Business Class so we were the first off the aircraft.
I am not sure if Alaska have a different baggage check cut off for HNL, but based on other mainland airports, you have until 7:50am to have your bag checked.
As mentioned previously, I am also heading to Seattle, but going via LAX as I am meeting someone there, my flight leaves pretty much at the same time, but I have hand luggage only and am sitting in row 2 on JQ3 so plan to make a hasty exit through to immigration, plus the flight to LAX & SEA is in F class, so I have some flexibility if there are delays etc etc...
If you are travelling solo, send me a Private Message and I am more than happy to guest you into the First lounge at Sydney... can't do much for HNL but any help I can offer, even a jump in spot when waiting for immigration won't be a problem (if possible of course).
:-)
I am actually arriving into HNL @ 0600 via JQ1 from Melbourne. My next flight is A860 @ 830 so that does give me 2.2 hours basically. I have one checked bag (although I really wish I didn't!) I am from the states, so I am returning home after a work holiday stay and visiting family.
Seems because I am coming from international to Domestic, regardless as you said I will still need to grab bag and check in. I have the ability to do on-line check in for Alaska, so hopefully that might help a little bit, but still have to check baggage.. I was hoping I was getting there early enough that I might beat the RUSH but, haha , I don't think that will be the case from what I am reading!
Thank you for the feedback and help. Seattle is great, I will be there for 3 days and then it is off to Tampa, FL for me.
Safe flight tomorrow!
#813
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 2
Thank you for your answer! I have a follow-up question that may seem silly. I have checked bags. Would there be a possibility I would make the connection but my bags would not? I had heard HNL can be slow, so I just wanted to see yours or anyone else's opinions!
#814
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,140
Unlikely that your baggage will misconnect. If it does, then it just comes on the next flight and hour later.
#815
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Kobe/Osaka
Programs: Delta
Posts: 1,587
I often pass through HNL on an international flight from Japan back to the US. I'm also a US citizen. You should be fine at immigration, as there will probably be more foreigners and their lines take more time.
As for baggage, not sure about Alaska, but I think that it's the same for all. After picking up your bag inside of customs (floor below immigration), you'll clear the final customs check. But, before going out the door, you'll be directed to the left to a place where international passengers in transit re-check their bags. You won't need to go to the regular ticket counter, as this is handled inside of the customs facility. That is, as long as it has a bag tag for your final destination.
As for baggage, not sure about Alaska, but I think that it's the same for all. After picking up your bag inside of customs (floor below immigration), you'll clear the final customs check. But, before going out the door, you'll be directed to the left to a place where international passengers in transit re-check their bags. You won't need to go to the regular ticket counter, as this is handled inside of the customs facility. That is, as long as it has a bag tag for your final destination.
#816
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: AA Executive Plat HH Diamond
Posts: 13
I'm looking at trying to book from OGG into HNL on the first flight of the morning which gets into HNL at 6:41 and connecting to an AA flight to LAX at 7:25 is that to tight? Earlier this morning it showed as an option on AA.com but I'm getting an error right now when I try to run it.
#817
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,140
I'm looking at trying to book from OGG into HNL on the first flight of the morning which gets into HNL at 6:41 and connecting to an AA flight to LAX at 7:25 is that to tight? Earlier this morning it showed as an option on AA.com but I'm getting an error right now when I try to run it.
#818
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, QF Platinum
Posts: 132
I'm looking at trying to book from OGG into HNL on the first flight of the morning which gets into HNL at 6:41 and connecting to an AA flight to LAX at 7:25 is that to tight? Earlier this morning it showed as an option on AA.com but I'm getting an error right now when I try to run it.
If carry on only, still too tight a connection IMO, the AA LAX flights usually leave from gate 18, and you will be getting off in the inter island terminal, considering AA check in opens 14 minutes after your OGG flight is DUE to arrive, I think as per above, go on the afternoon flight.
#819
Moderator Hilton Honors, Travel News, West, The Suggestion Box, Smoking Lounge & DiningBuzz
Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,025
#821
In memoriam
Join Date: May 2001
Location: La Jolla, CA, USA
Posts: 765
Is 50 minutes enough time to connect in HNL?
My wife and I bought tickets on AS SAN-HNL original ETA 12:22 P.M. Connection on HA to Hilo original ETD 2:42 P.M. AS flight ETA changed to 2:22 P.M. HA ETD changed to 3:12 P.M.
Enough time to connect? Will we have to pick up bags and re-check them or can we send them through?
Thanks.
Enough time to connect? Will we have to pick up bags and re-check them or can we send them through?
Thanks.
#823
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: UA 1K 1MM
Posts: 26
If the AS and HA flights are not on the same record locator, your checkin agent probably won't be able to check your bags all of the way to Hilo. If the bags are not checked through, it will be very difficult to make the connection, since you will have to walk you bags to the HA terminal which is a 10-15 min walk from the AS baggage claim. There are shuttles, but waiting for the shuttle can take longer than just walking.
My wife and I bought tickets on AS SAN-HNL original ETA 12:22 P.M. Connection on HA to Hilo original ETD 2:42 P.M. AS flight ETA changed to 2:22 P.M. HA ETD changed to 3:12 P.M.
Enough time to connect? Will we have to pick up bags and re-check them or can we send them through?
Thanks.
Enough time to connect? Will we have to pick up bags and re-check them or can we send them through?
Thanks.
#824
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 1
Booked from Maui (OGG) arrive HNL at 7:45am (Hawaii Airline). Then take international flight from HNL to Australia with AA at 10:00am. The 2 flight book separately.
Is 2 hours sufficient to connect? will have to pick up baggage and check in again?
Anyway that we can proceed as quick as possible to speed through check for international flight. THanks
Is 2 hours sufficient to connect? will have to pick up baggage and check in again?
Anyway that we can proceed as quick as possible to speed through check for international flight. THanks
#825
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,140
Booked from Maui (OGG) arrive HNL at 7:45am (Hawaii Airline). Then take international flight from HNL to Australia with AA at 10:00am. The 2 flight book separately.
Is 2 hours sufficient to connect? will have to pick up baggage and check in again?
Anyway that we can proceed as quick as possible to speed through check for international flight. THanks
Is 2 hours sufficient to connect? will have to pick up baggage and check in again?
Anyway that we can proceed as quick as possible to speed through check for international flight. THanks
Perhaps calling HA will give you accurate information about whether they will check your baggage for you. If they will, then that should be enough time FOR NORMAL OPERATIONS. However, while rare, it is possible to experience major delays in Maui if HA gets behind schedule. At that time of the day, it would probably be rare.
Myself, for international travel on different PNRs, I would plan to leave OGG earlier and have a nice relaxing breakfast in HNL.